Editorial: Public input may be deciding factor in proposal to redesign South Causeway Bridge in Fort Pierce

The St. Lucie Transportaton Planning Organization will conduct workshop on proposal to expand bike and pedestrian use of South Causeway Bridge

A proposal to improve pedestrian and bicycle traffic over the South Causeway Bridge in Fort Pierce may be up to five years from being enacted, but a workshop to guage public support for the project is scheduled for Saturday.

The plan being developed by the St. Lucie County Transportation Planning Organization calls for the widening of existing sidewalks on the bridge to accommodate walkers and bicycle riders but also the reduction of vehicle lanes from four to two.

Earlier this year, the organization hired Vero Beach-based consultant Kimley-Horn and Associates to study the bridge design and propose potential changes. The consultant has indicated that the bridge is now inadequate to handle bicycles and pedestrians and that the potential redesign would better connect downtown Fort Pierce to the beach, support economic development, health awareness and recreational goals.

Critics of the proposal cited numerous concerns, not the least of which is the estimated price tag. While the $1 million projected cost would be paid by federal transportation funds, some believe that in tight economic times that amount of money could be used elsewhere in the Fort Pierce area where the transportation needs may be more apparent.

Questions have also been raised about the impact of traffic flow across the bridge if the number of lanes is reduced to one in each direction. How might that change affect emergency vehicles and evacuations?

There is also concern of a potential perception in which the beach area would become less accessible to residents living on the mainland and create friction between beach residents and others within the city.

In addition, there are hopes among many that the land occupied by the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority for its waste treatment plant just over the bridge may be redeveloped with a resort or convention center after the plant is removed from the site. Traffic limitations might have a negative impact on that potential becoming a reality.

An alternative suggestion has been made to maintain the current design, but restrict the existing sidewalks to one side for bicyclists and one side for walkers.

Mayor Bob Benton has previously expressed his support for the bridge redesign and indicated he thinks it may make the bridge safer for pedestrians and bicyclists and that it would help to serve as a link for a regional bike path.

If the project receives public support during the Transportation Planning Organization workshop scheduled for 9-11 a.m. Saturday at the Riverwalk Center on North Indian Drive in Fort Pierce, it would be added to the state Department of Transportation's five-year work program.

The public will have the opportunity to learn more about the proposed project and to offer its input. Significant public input either for or against the project could have a major impact on whether the project proceeds. All who have an interest should make plans to attend.

PUBLIC INPUT

MEETING ON

SOUTH CAUSEWAY BRIDGE

A public workshop will be held Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Riverwalk Center (formerly Community Center) at 600 N. Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce.